The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-03-06
STAGE NEWS AND GOSSIP.
A Week of Unusually Meritorious At
fractions at All the Local Theaters.
The Nsnnff Opera Company at the Grand for
Three Nights-Notes Abont Plays
and Play People.

All the operas written by Franz Won Suppe
occupy a high place in the regard OF music
loving people. He differs from most composers
Of opera comque in that his talent is not con-
fined to music OF the lighter vein. for in his
earlier days he wrote grand opera. Now he has
been brought into competition with younger
men, and holds his own in the fulfnent of his
msseu 70 bring mirth and merriment to his
fellow men. as we'll as material profit to him
self. "a Trip to Africa which will be pre-
scented at the Grand the first three nights of
this week by the Duff Opera Company, is said
to be the best of his light operas from the
stand point of the scientific musician Much of
it is the waltz and march rhythm, style
that Won Suppe is famous for, as is in
dicated in "Fatinitza" and "Boccaccio." The
story is founded on the complications arising
from fortune left to a young girl under GER
tain matrimonial conditions which she attempts
to evade, and there is much fun and confusion
in consequence. The oriental locale gives OPP
portunities for fine costumes and scenic dis
play. novel effect presented is that Of the
OVERLOOKING of the banks of the Nile. The cast
given the opera by Mr.. Duffs company is
that has never been exce!led in operate produc-
tions. 1t includes Lillian RUSSELL who is con-
coded to be the best exponent of opera comique
in the profession, and lady who has very
large and enthusiastic personal following; Miss
Verona Jarbeau, another well-known artiste
Mrs. Zelda Seguin Wallace, who is the leading
contralto of the present stage, and lady who is
as popular socially here as she is professionally
everywhere; Mr.. j. H. Ryley, who for years
the leading comedian Of the New York Casino;
Efr. Charles w. DUNCAN Mr.. John e. Nash.
Miss Bessie Cleveland and others. Mr.. Duffs
company includes sixty ladies and gentlemen,
and he carries a carload of special scenery and
Costumes for the production of his operas "A
Kip to Africa" will be given tomorrow. Tues
day and Wednesday evenings, and "Iolanthe"
Wednesday afternoon. Those who want good
seats for these performances should secure them
in advance, as the sale is already large
A drama new to Indianapolis, but one that
comes with the prestige of six-month's run at
the Madison square Theater, New York, will be
presented at the Grand the latter part of this
week-"Saints and Sinners" 1t is said to be
one OF the most felicitous efforts of H. A. Jones,
author Of ''Hoodman Blind and 1.-THE Silver
King" 1t ia q beautiful emotional drama, that
appeals to the feelings of the most refined and
cultured audiences, and that never offends by
any approach TO sensationalism. In it the story
is told of daughters faithful and steadfast love
for her father. and her suffering at the hands of
unurncipled lover The plot is a mastery
bne, and the unfolding of the romance it con-
tains proceeds in way that carries the feelings
Of the audience irresistibly, finally setting fears
at rest by happy finale. A feature of this
drama that invests it with additional interest
lies in the fact that the cast-an exceptionally
strong one-includes Mr. Couldock. the veteran
actor. The part borne by this gentleman is ad-
mirably suited to him, ard must revive the ad-
miration felt for his talents actor The
rest of the cast includes the following strong
array of people. possessed OF histrionic talent:
Leslie Allen, Cedric Hope, H. Clarendon, Frank
Norcross, Raymond Holmes, W. T. Melville, John
Matthews, j. McKeever. Edwin Hope, A. c.
Hilsdorf. Viola Allen, Sydney Cowell, Helen
Creswick and Edwina Bland.
Mr.. Ben Magnley, popular character COM
edian, will be at Englishs next Thursday even
ing and during the remainder Of the week, in
David Belascos beautiful comedy drama, May
Blossom play that seems to never grow old
in the affections of theater-goers. This season
Mr.. Maginley is playing Uncle Bartlett, the vii
lage preacher, in the piece, and it is said TO be
the best performance he has ever given the pub
lie His support includes Misc Manor Keith
May Blossom) Joseph Adelman, Otis Turner,
Miss Eta Frank, and others equally we'll known,
and the play will be presented with appropriate
scenic and mechanical accessories. There will
be no advance in prices, aud the sale Of seats
will begin Thursday morning
Miss Jennie Calef, protean actress who has
youth, attractiveness and talent to commend
her. will be the attraction at the Museum all this
week, appearing in her play. IAN American
Princess Monday, Wednesday and Friday aft
ernoons and evenings, Little Detective Tues
day and Saturday matinees and evenings, and
Little Muffets' Thursday at both performances
Miss Calef will be remembered as having played
an engagement at the Grand last season. She
ts pleasing and capable actress, and her sup
porting. company is one that has been carefully
selected.
Mr. John L. Stoddard, who began, some
years ago, to give lectures recountng his expe-
riences as traveller in Europe and the Orient,
and who is quite popular in Boston. New York,
Philadelphia. Chicago, ST. Louis and all the
leading cities will. early next month, inaugurate
his lectures here, having among his subjects
Historical Monographs on Napoleon III,
"Queen Elizabeth" and Peter the Great" all
fully and finely illustrated.
An audience completely filled League Hall on
last evening the occasion being An elocutionary
recital by pupils of the Training School Of
Expression. The wellarranged programme was
carried out in manner creditable to both
pupils and teacher, nearly every participant
receiving spirited recall. The musical mum
bers were piano solo by Miss Lee Timmons
and two vocal selections by Miss Anna Stott
Notes of the Stage.
Helen Dauvray next season will tour the country
Buffalo Bill and his Wild West show win sail fo
England in April.
Benjamin Maginey goes into Irish drama, com
nencing next month
Lady Colin Campbell denies that she intends to be
come professional singer
\ L. II.